Martin’s Country Market Fire: A Community Comes Together to Help

For more than 40 years, Martin’s Country Market in Ephrata, Pennsylvania has been a central part of the local community.

Employees say they loved working there because they were treated like a valued part of a family. Each morning, the owner, Nevin Martin, would greet every single worker. Out of 120 employees, the average time of employment was 8-10 years, and several had worked at Martin’s for 20 years or more — a testament to the family atmosphere of the store.

Customers also loved the store for its impeccable cleanliness, quality groceries, and, of course, friendly employees.

Fire Breaks Out

But on the morning of February 15^th, that all changed as one of the employees arrived to work and immediately smelled smoke.

Although they called 911 and fire crews arrived shortly, the building could not be saved. The cause remains uncertain, but it is likely that the fire broke out in a dryer at the back of the building. It spread quickly, turning into a four-alarm fire.

Back at his home, seafood manager Randy Eshleman woke up and saw his phone light up. Assuming somebody was calling in for work, he picked it up, only to see a message from Donna Martin, wife of Nevin Martin, telling Eshleman that the store was on fire and the flames were through the roof. Eshleman jumped in his car and headed to the store. Traveling less than a half mile from his home, but still five minutes from the store, he could see the towering flames. Even from that distance, he knew that the store would be a complete loss.

When Eshleman made it to the store, he joined the Martins, who were watching the blaze from a safe distance across the street. Soon, nearly all the store managers had arrived as well. Together, they watched as over 200 volunteer firefighters from three counties tirelessly battled the flames. Like a well-oiled machine, trucks showed up to salt the ground, preventing the parking lots from freezing in the 19-degree weather, portable restrooms arrived, and tables of food were laid out to support the firefighters.

As the rest of the employees made their way to work, many were stopped by emergency workers and told that the store was on fire. Others saw it on the news.

Randy Eshleman's view of the smoke as he drove to the store after receiving news it was ablaze.

Relief Efforts Begin

Late that evening, the Martin family emailed all employees and asked them to meet the next day at Ephrata Community Church. Even though they still didn’t know many details, it was an opportunity for them to be together and mourn the loss of their store as a work family.

With confirmation that the store was a total loss, Eshleman knew that it was going to be difficult for many employees. Not only would they lose their salaries, but their benefits as well. To counter this, Eshleman joined with two other managers, Bakery Manager Connie Moyer and Kitchen Manager Cindy Roof, to set up an employee assistance fund.

Funds Start Trickling In

The fund’s first donation came in as the fire still burned, when a customer wrote a check for $500, saying that he knew the employees would need it. Within the week, a retailer had cut a check for $5,000. Soon other donations were coming in. 

To date, the fund has provided repairs for three vehicles, allowing those employees to continue to search for new employment opportunities. They have also given money to an employee whose water heater leaked and caused damage to their home, and they are helping out with a deductible for a minor surgery another employee has scheduled.

The fund even purchased every employee a spiral cut ham and a turkey for their Easter meals. These meats cost the fund less than $1 per pound because one of their suppliers, Gordon Food Service, pitched in to help them find a great deal.

Food and Clothing Aid

Relief has also come in the way of food donations. Gordon Food Service and Feeser’s Food Distributors both donated food that was distributed to the employees. 

On April 6^th, Peter’s Porch invited all employees and their immediate households to breakfast. They provided each employee with a bag of groceries to take home, as well as the opportunity to select clothing items from a clothing bank.

Blessings of Hope has provided each employee with two vouchers that they can redeem for a box of food at the food bank.

Even former competitors are stepping up to help. On April 30^th, Shady Maple is inviting all Martin’s Grocery employees and their immediate families to their Smorgasbord to dine for free. Others have reached out to express their condolences and offer their support.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer and community well wishes have also been an important part of the recovery process. On March 27^th, more than 70 employees gathered in the store parking lot for a prayer vigil with prayer partners from Mohn’s Hill Evangelical Congregation Church and Zion Lutheran Church.

Eshleman explains that people from the area are, in his words, “stubborn people who have a lot of pride and don’t want to ask for help.” But, “the lesson so far has been how to humbly and graciously accept from others in time of need.”

Brighter Days Ahead

The good news is that the tide is turning, and many employees are starting to find new jobs. But as salaries and benefits ended Saturday, April 13^th, there are some uncertain times ahead. That’s why Eshleman, Moyer, and Roof are so motivated to keep going. The plan, for now, is to keep the fund open for at least a year and a half. Once it is dissolved, all remaining assets will be donated to the Lincoln Fire Company.

Lend a Hand

From the firefighters, to local churches, to community members, to other local businesses, so many people have pulled together to make a big difference in the lives of all affected employees.

If you would like to donate to the fund to help support the Martin’s Country Market employees, you can do so via their Go Fund Me. Private donations can also be sent to Martin’s Employee Assistance Fund at 125 Hawthorne Drive, Denver, PA 17517.